How to Troubleshoot Swimming Pool Pumps

Eventually it happens to all swimming pool pumps. You reach down to check the water output and it is lacking or there is no water coming out at all. Or another problem indicator may be that your pressure side or suction side pool filter is on the blink.

Usually Swimming Pool Pumps Aren't Broken

So the task at hand is to locate the problem and hopefully it isn't that the pump is broken. The good news is that this is rarely the case. So by using a step by step method you can learn to usually locate and remedy the problem in a matter of minutes.

Check the Switch Box and the Power Line

If the pump isn't actually running then what you need to do is to check its power source and connections and the first place to start is the main switch box. Flip the pump switch off and on to make sure it's okay. Next, follow the line over to the pump, checking to see if it has in someway been damaged.

The Last Thing to Check is the Pump

Then you need to check the secondary switch box, if you have one. Then and only then after all other avenues have been explored can you then actually begin considering that the pump itself may be broken.

If the Pump is Running But There's Little or No Water

Now if the pump is running but the water output is low or non existent, then you need to do a similar process on the water line all the way up to the pool cleaner. Start by checking the pool cleaner hose itself for any cracks.

Check Inlet Ports and the Swimming Pool Filter

Then check your water inlet ports to make sure that debris isn't clogging them. After that has been done, your next task should be to check the pool filter to make sure that it isn't clogged with debris. Most of the time a swimming pool pumps problems are related to one of the above listed causes.